As reported on Wednesday, the Gauteng taxi operators affiliated to the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) announced they would march to the SA Taxi Finance company to hand over a memorandum which outlined their grievances. According to the African News Agency, their march is against “high minibus taxi purchase costs”.
Due to the fact that Gauteng traffic has been severely affected by the #TaxiStrike since the early hours on this morning, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) gives the following tips for ‘if you find yourself caught in a possible violent situation’.
Alert: #TaxiStrike all roads illegally blocked around M1, Midrand. JMPD officers deployed to manage the crisis. pic.twitter.com/ns8gxZdCfj
— Road Traffic Management Corporation (@TrafficRTMC) June 15, 2017
You may also want to read: Taxi operators block main routes in Gauteng
“The first rule is don’t put yourself in a position where your safety is comprised. Social media is a good way of monitoring developments, as are regular updates on local radio stations,” the AA says.
While avoiding roads is an option for some motorists, those who are on the road must be vigilant, and consider their own safety above all else, the Association says.
Other tips for motorists unexpectedly caught in the middle of a possible violent situation include:
- Stay in your car as long as possible
- Unbuckle your seatbelt, and those of any passengers, to be prepared to exit your car quickly
- Keep your car moving as far as you can, whilst checking for possible escape routes
- Avoid hitting any protestors with your vehicle as this may turn the mob against you
- Do not taunt the protestors by shouting, gesticulating or hooting at them
- Remain as calm as possible to ensure you are aware of what is going on around you
- Seek assistance or safety from the police as quickly as you can. If you do not see the police, call them.
- Listen to police instructions
- If you are stuck and the situation seems to be turning, leave your car and get out of the area on foot. Remember your life is more valuable than your car or any possessions inside
- Once you are personally safe (with or without your vehicle) call family or friends to let them know where you are, and what is happening
The Association further expresses its concern at the way the South African National Taxi Association (SANTACO) communicated its plans to the public.
“SANTACO only mentioned it was going to be handing a memorandum to the directors of SA Taxi Finance, but this messaging was misleading. Not only have its members blocked major routes in Gauteng, arterial routes are also closed off, preventing thousands of people from commuting this morning. It must take full responsibility for the chaos, and should be held to account for its actions,” the AA says.
“We are optimistic today’s action will be resolved quickly, and won’t be repeated again soon. However, if there are indications this may happen again, we trust SANTACO will act more responsibly, and that authorities will respond better.”
“We also appeal to all companies to understand workers may have an issue getting to work this morning, and to appreciate the difficulties many are faced with in terms of transport,” the AA says.
“Reports suggest taxis have been blockading roads from as early as 3am this morning, and the question must be posed as to why this was allowed to happen,” the AA concludes.
Issued by the Automobile Association of South Africa
